In the wake of a failed coup attempt against President Luis Arce, Bolivian authorities have detained over a dozen high-ranking military and intelligence officials, including former army chief General Juan Jose Zúñiga. The streets of La Paz, the capital, were calm on Thursday as residents read headlines announcing the coup’s failure.
On Wednesday, armored vehicles rammed the doors of Bolivia’s government palace in a dramatic attempt to seize power. President Arce, undeterred, named a new army commander who ordered the troops to stand down. Reports indicate that military officials had been plotting this coup since May, mobilizing armed forces toward the capital’s main square to take control by force.
The coup plot was reportedly orchestrated by General Zúñiga and former navy commander General Juan Arnez, with Zúñiga’s civilian adviser allegedly devising the coup strategy. Despite the calm following the failed attempt, skepticism and questions about the underlying causes persist among the Bolivian population.
Supporters of President Arce waved Bolivian flags and cheered in the central square as soldiers withdrew. Among the 17 arrested was military intelligence chief Julio Buitrago.
Bolivia, a nation of 12 million people, is grappling with economic turmoil and political instability, fueling mass protests. President Arce accused General Zúñiga of orchestrating the coup, but Zúñiga claimed it was staged by Arce to bolster his popularity.
For hours on Wednesday, the streets of La Paz were filled with chaos as smoke bombs and tear gas were deployed, and armored vehicles attacked the presidential palace. Video footage showed President Arce confronting General Zúñiga inside the palace, ordering him to withdraw his soldiers. Zúñiga, who was dismissed as army commander just a day earlier, had led military units into the capital, attempting to break into government offices.
After the coup attempt was thwarted, President Arce addressed crowds outside the Quemado Palace, declaring victory and emphasizing the need for the Bolivian people to defend democracy. Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo assured the public that the government had regained complete control over the military.
Zúñiga, as he was being arrested, accused President Arce of orchestrating the coup, but without providing evidence. The Bolivian government denies these allegations and has launched an investigation to identify all participants involved in the coup attempt.
Bolivia has experienced nearly 40 coups since 1946, and the current political climate remains fraught with tension. President Arce, in power since 2020, faces challenges from former President Evo Morales, who plans to run in the upcoming elections.
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